Biome basics

This project involves the creation of a simple, yet effective display of the different biomes found on earth.

A lesson plan for grades 9–12 Science

By B. Carl Rush

Learn more

• Blue Planet Biomes Describes teh importance of plants and animals in shaping various biomes
• World Biomes Describes the five primary biomes
• Missouri Botanical Garden Comprehensive categorization of biomes
• Slater Museum of Natural History Explains the rationale for categorizing using biomes

Related pages

• Intrigue of the Past: Teach your students about North Carolina's fascinating past. This edition contains lesson plans about the fundamental concepts, processes, and issues of archaeology, as well as essays for the teacher with detailed information about four periods in North Carolina's ancient history.
• Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge: Located in Camden County on scenic U. S. Highway 17, the original Ocean Highway, just three miles south of the VA/NC border, the Great Dismal Swamp Center sits on the banks of the Dismal Swamp Canal, part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
• North Carolina Coastal Federation: Visit the North Carolina Coastal Federation and learn about the projects that the NCCF is doing toward restoration of coastal areas in North Carolina.

Related topics

• Learn more about environmental science and science.

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Learning outcomes

1. Students should be able to identify the major components of biomes and the effects of human activity on them.
2. Students should be able to successfully navigate websites for information and photographs.
3. Students should be able to successfully use the programs Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

3 hours

Materials/resources

• computer access with a printer (preferably color), internet access, and the programs Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word
• construction paper
• glue sticks

Pre-activities

1. Introduce the definition of biome and the factors that differentiate one biome from another.
2. A list of appropriate websites shortens research time dramatically.

Activities

1. Students are assigned or choose different biomes.
2. Students are to create a one-page description of their assigned biome from research performed online. The information should include, but is not limited to: flora, fauna, climate, and human uses and influences.
3. Students are to create a one-page collage of images gathered from the internet. Images are best imported through Microsoft PowerPoint, where they can be manipulated into the desired size, shape, color, etc.
4. The one-page description and one-page collage of images should be glued onto a piece of construction paper for display.
5. Students then orally report to the class on each biome using the product created.
6. Products are excellent review tools for use in concluding units or reviewing for exams.

Assessment

Students are assessed on a daily basis by personal conversations and monitoring.

Students are assessed on the final product and oral presentation using a predetermined rubric: seventy percent final product, twenty-five percent daily progress, five percent oral presentation.

Supplemental information

Comments

I realize how simple this lesson plan is. The concept is by no means new. The product, however, has proven very valuable for a quick review of biomes in a relatively short period of time.